A motovlogger claimed he was unable to notice a member of the Philippine National Police‘s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) because he was allegedly listening to pop singer Taylor Swift.
Motorcycle vlogger Kean James Brul, also known as “Sir Ki” online, has been issued a show-cause order (SCO) by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after allegedly recklessly driving along Marilaque Highway.
Apart from driving at excessively high speed on a public road, he also allegedly ignored an HPG personnel who called his attention.
Reports said the vlogger posted a video of the encounter and appeared to be proud that he evaded the authority figure.
Sir Ki also claimed he was listening to Taylor, which he said was why he allegedly failed to notice the HPG personnel.
Authorities found that the vlogger has other posts showing him driving at high speeds without side mirrors and with a loud exhaust.
There was also a video of him evading a police officer and parking at a convenience store, allegedly to pretend to eat so he could not be apprehended.
The LTO said that the vlogger may be held liable for “Reckless Driving” and being an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle due to his manner of driving.”
As an immediate measure, Sir Ki’s motorcycle has been placed under alarm status, while his driver’s license has been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension and must be immediately surrendered to the LTO.
Meanwhile, his claim that he was listening to Taylor as a reason for failing to notice the HPG personnel drew attention on social media.
“He’s listening to Cruel Summer for sure!” an online user commented, referring to one of Taylor’s songs.
“Swiftie ‘yarn,” another wrote.
“Kasalanan pa ni Taylor,” a different Pinoy commented.
“Getaway Car daw po pinapakinggan niya,” another joked, referring to one of Taylor’s songs.
“Ano ‘yun, mata ba ‘yung nag-so-soundtrip,” a different Pinoy commented.
According to LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao, dangerous acts on the road should not be treated as entertainment or used as content..
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na ginagamit ang social media para ipakita at gawing normal ang iresponsableng pagmamaneho. Ang kalsada ay hindi lugar para sa pasikatan, karera o paggawa ng content na naglalagay panganib sa buhay ng ibang tao,” he said in a statement.
Lacanilao also emphasized that content creators carry great responsibility, as many people are influenced by what they show online.
“Kung ikaw ay may platform at maraming followers, mas lalo mong dapat gamitin ito para magpakita ng disiplina at responsableng pagmamaneho. Dapat nagsusulong ng road safety ang content, hindi paglabag sa batas trapiko,” he said.
